Christmas

Ten years. My wife and I have been married ten years. I have been on staff at Red Rocks Baptist Church for ten years. A decade has passed. Wow. When a virus attacked my heart muscle several years back, my wife framed my EKG and engraved the words of Psalm 90:12 on the bottom: “Lord, teach me to number my days.” Spending time in Coronary ICU makes anyone number his days. The rest of the verse encourages us to apply our hearts to wisdom.

Merry Christmas to every SI reader from Les Heinze. My prayer is that you will have a wonderfully prosperous New Year as you grow in grace.

Wow! Can it possibly be time for another holiday letter already? Well, the Lord has been so gracious to our family again this year. For the first time in three years, our son Jason has not had to be hospitalized for his breathing problems acquired as a premature baby. Praise God! Where Jacob had to work for 14 years to acquire the love of his life, I was able to celebrate 14 years with mine this summer! Praise God!

Dear SI,

My name is Ryan McCammack, and I will be making my first contribution to the world of ShaperIron in the near future. I’m looking forward to it; I think. It’s a little unnerving after reading the voluminous material that flows from Dr. Bauder’s pen. Wow! He’s a well-thought-out fellow.

The apostle Paul was under arrest, being transported to Rome by a military guard. Along the way, his ship put in at the Lycian port of Myra, where the Roman centurion found a different ship that was sailing to Italy (Acts 27:5-6). The book of Acts does not tell how long Paul was in Myra between ships.

My name is Mathew Sims, and I am married to a wonderful wife and faithful friend, LeAnn Sims. We were married in May 2005 in Greenville, SC. She has been patient with me so far, and God has been gracious in teaching us many things about each other and, most of all, about Him.

by John C. Whitcomb, Th.D

Like most parents, Kim and I cherish the memories of the births of each of our children. When we celebrate their birthdays, we tell them about some of the circumstances surrounding their entrance into the world. When Daniel was born, there was an ice storm. All of our children were born near the times of church services. I could go on and on.

Most of you probably don’t know who I am, but that’s okay. I work behind the scenes here at SI and count it a privilege to serve in several capacities. I manage the author calendar for front-page articles, remind (and sometimes nag) authors about deadlines, post ads and send invoices to advertisers, and edit and post articles as I have time. I began serving SI last May after a big change in my life. (Left: Crisp Point Lighthouse, Lake Superior)

For some, this “newsletter” will be an introduction to my life and family. For others, it will just be a bit of catching up after yet another busy year. Either way, we have to begin by praising the Lord for His grace and blessings on us during 2006.